Indecision In Literature

The inability to decide is considered by many a more condemnable deed than any action. Why do some men choose to sit idle while their counterparts live in infamy? Similar to the hollow men in T. S Elliot’s people every day seem to shuffle on without any consequence what so ever. Several literary works explore this theme and attempt to offer an explanation to this behavior. By the standards of literature taking action is the preferable course for most characters yet we still see their inner struggle when forced to make a decision.

            Two of the most notable literary works who deal with the theme of indecision are “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T S Elliot, and “Hamlet” by Shakespeare. Prufrock and Hamlet are in a way kindred spirits as they are both protagonists who are sabotaged by their own inability to take action. T S Elliot’s poem comes across as humorous but upon close reading I found it to be a tragedy quite like Hamlet. In several passages such as these: “And indeed there will be time to wonder, Do I dare? and Do I dare?” I was struck by the reality of Prufrock´s situation. There is a thinly veiled sense of desperation and regret riddled thought the poem which reminds deeply of Hamlet. There is clearly a parallel between these two characters which can be drawn at several moments between their stories. In Hamlet the most definitive moment of indecision would have to be his soliloquy in which he delivers his quintessential “to be or not to be” line. Here Hamlet wonders if living is even worthwhile as he seems to be unable to bring his uncle to justice. Whether it is asking out a girl or avenging the death of his father both Hamlet and Prufrock seem to be stumped by the mere thought of taking action. Despite all their similarities there is a major point that separates Hamlet from Prufrock. Hamlet at the end was able to achieve what Prufrock never could. After a moment of enlightenment Hamlet goes through with his plan and the play resolves itself. This cannot be said for Prufrock who sadly never can muster anything more than regret. However the tragic ending in Hamlet raises the question: was taking action really worth it?

In my opinon regardless of the outcome, action is always preferable to indecision. One has to remember deciding to do nothing is still an action, Hamlet could have chosen to give up his quest for revenge and move on with his life. However indecision will never yield tranquility only frustration, which can be a worse consequence than making a choice. These two works of literature urge us to look at our lives and finally make those decisions that we so love to pospone, unless we would rather end up like Prufkrock wondering if we would dare eat a peach.